So long Lakeland, Florida

"Oh,what I would do to have the kind of faith it takes 
To climb out of this boat I'm in and onto the crashing waves.
To step out of my comfort zone into the realm of the unknown 
Where Jesus is, And he's holding out his hand.

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me;
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed.
The waves they keep on telling me time and time again,
"You'll never win.....

With two days left until we start our journey back to the other side of the world so many thoughts are rolling through my head... Feels like  I'm stepping out of this comfort zone of America all over again. Mostly I'm ecstatic, ready to see my husband, ready for Grace to see her dad, ready for routine, and excited to see what doors God opens in these next six months of our life. The last six months of our lives forever changed us as a family and I have a feeling God is going to rock our world all over again. 

Although I know what to expect this time around I feel like God is bringing me out of my comfort zone again to a new place with all new people and a new way of life to get used to. However, this time around, I will be a little more comfortable and a LOT more trusting of God's plan. I have learned the importance of being out of my comfort zone. 

God has shown me that the place we are most vulnerable to His plans and His voice is one that is unfamiliar and uncomfortable. I believe in different seasons of our lives God may ask us to be in a place That's not 100 percent comfortable... If you're too comfortable you won't experience it as He wants you to.

As I started packing today the faces of our precious students, the faces of the children in the orphanages, and the faces of the amazing friends and families from our fellowship rolled through my head ....it became clear once again as to what our purpose in china is.  

Thank you lord for allowing us another six months to serve you and your people in china. We are forever grateful for everything you've given us, and feel privileged again that you've chosen us for this job in this season of our lives.

So long Lakeland Florida.... See you in January! 


"But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth"
-Casting Crowns


To everyone who has contributed in any way and prayed for us along the way.....Thank you. Thank you for taking a risk for the sake of another, for giving without expecting something in return and for letting God shine through  you.